Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Pet. 4:12-13 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, this portion of your Word comes like a warm embrace from heaven. To know that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life actually brings us a great deal of comfort and relief. For many of us have wrongly suffered destructive consequences from bad theology—various teachings that make us feel like spiritual pygmies, waifs and orphans, for suffering any degree of sickness or weariness, lack or loss, defeat or doubt.
It’s not that I want to suffer more, but none of us want to suffer with a sense of being a disappointment to you, or feeling abandoned by you, or being punished by you—all three which are contradicted by the gospel. Indeed, “fiery ordeals” aren’t about punishment, but purification. They’re not a sign of a lack of faith, but the presence of your heart and hand.
Jesus, please help us understand how our suffering can be understood as participating in your sufferings, and how we can actually suffer with joy. Your death on the cross was a once-and-for-all suffering—perfectly securing the salvation of your people. However, you’re not a distant, disconnected, dispassionate Savior. You’re presently making all things new, and this involves showing up in the messes and madness of life. Where there is injustice, disease, brokenness, and suffering, you are present. Free us to join you there, fellowship with you there, and serve with you there (Phil. 3:10).
The Day of no more suffering is coming (Rev. 21:1-5)—the Day when your glory will be fully revealed, and what a day of rejoicing that will be! Until then, give us all the grace and power we will need to live and love to your glory. So very Amen I pray, in your wonderful and merciful name.
